Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-04-16

sworn statements in writing tobe fled.
This is q rule that they will not deviate
from. The mail OF to-day brought nu-
merous requests for suspension OF the
fourth section, and for the interpreta-
ton of that section. The following
telegram, signed by the Bank Of Cali
fornia, Pacific Bank of San Franc SEQ,
and about dozen other banks in that
city, was received
:" All the productive and monetary re-
latons OF this coast are threatened with
disorder and much loss, and nothing
but quick and wise action on your part
can save our coast from tremendous
losses, sure to follow illiberal or mar
row Interpretation of fourth section Of
the Interstate bill. We ask suspension
of the long-haul clause temporarily
at least until our position can be placed
before your honorable body"
A petition was received from the
Wool-Growers' Association OF Califor-
mia, asking for an immediate suspen-
sion of the fourth section OF the act as
to the overland railroads, and asserting
that unless such suspension be granted
az once the wool industries on the Pa
cific coast will be destroyed.
A similar petition was received from
the sugar interests of the Pacific coast,
and the sugar interests of the East pc
titioned for n hearing of the question
before granting any suspension of or
other indulgencies to the sugar interests
Of the West.
The commissioners made no answer
to the telegram of San Francisco banks,
asking a suspension of the fourth sec
ton of the act, as it has been arranged
to give Pacifc-coast people hearing
within the next two weeks on that very
question. 1t will then be decided.
The published statement that the
commission has appointed secretary
is pronounced incorrect, as is also that
to the effect that decision was reached
yesterday with respect 20 excursion
rates. No session was held yesterday,
and no decision upon that subject has
been made.
A large number OF petitions have
been received from theatrical people
asking suspension of the law as ap-
piled TO the amusement profession and
such an Interpretation of the law as
will permit the railroad companies to
grant reduced rates, as heretofore.
The commission has replied that it can
not presume to determine what the
policy of the railroads shall be in this
regard. This is substantially declina-
ton to made a ruling upon the subject
in advance Of actual complaint alleging
an infraction of the law in some re-
gard.
A long communication has been re-
ceived from the Executive Committee
of the Chicago Freight Bureau, an as
ISOLATION composed of merchants, man
ufacturers, and members of the Board
of Trade. protesting against a suspen-
sion Of the long and short-haul feature,
especially as affecting the territory
north of the Ohio and east of the Mis-
sissippi rivers, excepting on the Pacific
coast traffic, and that conditionally.
The law without such suspension is be-
lieved by the association to be "not
only the best for the country at
large, but for the future sue
cessful operation of the law in
the territory named" The temporary
suspension of the provision with regard
to the South was, in the judgment Of
the association, the only practical So
luton Of the difficulty presented, but
il views with alarm the effect that the
decision must have upon carriers Of
this section of the country in conveying
perhaps a tacit, although unwarranted,
belief that similar relief will be granted
in other sections of the country, where
uncontrolled water competition eau be
cited as occasion for such relief"